Write Resume with Employer in Mind

With this entry, we begin a series on The Interviewable Resume by Linda Matias of CareerStrides.com:

Cast aside the belief that the resume is about you — because it isn’t. Though the resume is your “story,” the heart of it should focus on the needs of the employer. When developing your resume give thought to the person who will be reading it. What are his or her immediate concerns? How will you be able to solve that person’s problems?

Though it may be difficult to pin down a company’s immediate concerns before an interview, the reality is that organizations recruit candidates for one of the following reasons:

1. they need to replace an unproductive employee
2. a peak performer was promoted or left
3. a new position has been created.

A recruiter usually searches for a candidate who will produce certain results, one that is a skilled communicator and has a strong work ethic. If you are able to target your resume toward these key areas, you will, without a doubt, tap into the organization’s concerns.